JailbreakMe.com, the easy-to-use browser-based jailbreaking tool for Apple mobile devices has just gone live with version 3.0. What this means is anyone can now jailbreak their iOS device running the 4.3 software (or below, in some cases), including the iPad 2. There is no software to download on your computer; nor does your phone, iPod Touch or iPad have to be physically connected to the computer for this to work. Instead, all the jailbreaking is done via the JailbreakMe.com website, thanks to a PDF-based exploit.
Jailbreaking?
For those unaware, the term “jailbreaking” within the Apple community refers to hacking a device to allow for the installation of third-party applications outside the official iTunes App Store. While often, and sadly, associated with piracy, not all jailbreakers are interested in stealing apps – some just like the tweaks, hacks, widgets, themes and unapproved apps offered by jailbreak app stores like Cydia, Icy and ThemeIt.
Apple used to discourage jailbreaking among its customers, but with the recent hire of jailbreak app developer Peter Hajas, whose “Mobile Notifier” app looks remarkably similar to iOS 5’s new notifications center, it seems Apple may be warming up to the jailbreak community. In addition, the first-ever convention just for jailbreakers, MyGreatFest, is taking place this September in London, further indicating how this popular hacking activity has now gone more mainstream.
How JailbreakMe Works
JailbreakMe version 3.0 was accidentally revealed earlier this month, when a working beta of the hack went live for a few minutes on JailbreakMe.com. For those who caught it in time, the hack reportedly worked.
Now that the hack has been officially released to the wild, the expectation is that this updated hack will also prove successful, and, most importantly, as easy as ever.
How to Use JailbreakMe.com
The way JailbreakMe.com works involves using a PDF-based exploit that works on iOS.
The following firmware versions are supported:
- iPhone 4: 4.3 – 4.3.3
- iPhone 4 (CDMA): 4.2.6 – 4.2.8
- iPad 1: 4.3 – 4.3.3
- iPad 2: 4.3.3
- iPhone 3GS: 4.3 – 4.3.3
- iPod Touch 3G: 4.3, 4.3.2, 4.3.3
- iPod Touch 4G: 4.3 – 4.3.3
The process of jailbreaking your device is incredibly simple when using JailbreakMe. The steps are as follows:
- Go to JailbreakMe.com on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad’s mobile Safari Web browser.
- Tap the “Free” button next to the Cydia icon, just like you were installing an app.
- Tap the “Install” button.
- That’s it – the rest is done automatically!
If you prefer a video tutorial, check out RedmondPie.com.
Thanks to @comex for providing this easy-to-use jailbreak, along with @chpwn and @saurik.
